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19 Jan 2026#morphology-monday#only-cells#red-cells

Morphology Monday | Case MM260119

This week’s case comes from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. A newborn has presented with early-onset jaundice and a rapidly falling haemoglobin level. We’ve been asked to review the peripheral blood film to help narrow down the cause of the anaemia.

Neonatal blood film from this case with nucleated red cells and polychromasia

Neonatal blood film from this case showing many nucleated red cells, polychromatic cells and spherocytes

Neonatal blood film from this case with numerous nucleated red cells and spherocytes

Low-power neonatal blood film from this case with spherocytes, polychromasia and many nucleated red cells

Looking at the morphology in the provided images, does the film show a "suppressed" marrow or an "active, stressed" marrow response? Look closely at the presence of immature forms.

The mother is RhD negative and, due to a series of missed appointments, refused/did not receive anti-D prophylaxis during her pregnancy.

What could be the diagnosis? Feel free to get involved on LinkedIn and Twitter (X), and I'll reveal the diagnosis at the end of the week!